2008 Honda Accord

Sedan trim levels begin with the base LX and extend through a mid-range LX-P and EX (both with a more powerful190-hp four or the optional 268-hp V-6) to the premium EX-L. Coupe models range from standard LX-S through a mid-range EX to the premium EX-L, all—except top-drawer EX-Ls with the available V-6—powered by the 190-hp four.


The new Accord's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, plus wider tires on inch-wider front and rear tracks, provide noticeably better handling vs. the '07 without sacrificing its comfortable ride. The base sedan rolls on 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, higher-level models get 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels, the coupe comes with 17-inch alloys, and 18-inchers—the largest ever for a Honda car—are available with the V-6.


While the V-6's 268 horses are the most ever to power an Accord, a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology helps it achieve a California Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating. The VCM system uses all six cylinders for power but shuts down two or three for efficiency, resulting in impressive EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 29 miles highway for the V-6 automatic sedan. When mated to the 6-speed manual, however, the V-6 gives up VCM in favor of a more performance-oriented calibration and lesser 17/25-mpg city/highway ratings.

Styling

"Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form," Honda asserts. "The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor." Both are far more expressive than the bland and characterless previous models, with bold, angular faces and strong character lines rising front to rear along their flanks. The coupe's sloping roofline is best described as "sleek," while the sedan's rear quarters look BMW-esque.


The '08 Accord sedan's 194.1-in. length is a 3.0-in.stretch over the 2007, its 110.2-in. wheelbase is 2.3 in. longer, its 72.7-in. width is up 1.1 inches, and its 58.1-in. height is 0.9 inches taller. Yet, despite its larger size, the new body is 20 percent more torsionally rigid, and the car weighs just five percent more. The coupe is 3.2 in. shorter than the sedan on a 2.3-in. shorter wheelbase, but it's (an identical) 3.2 inches longer than the '07 coupe.